(no subject)

[hannibalv]

So I've figured out the process for the semi-ongoing-Philip-Roth-not-really-a-project-project:

1. I read a Roth book;
2. I read a "detox" book--something borderline light-n-fluffy, preferably nonfiction, preferably by a woman;
3. I read a "penance" book--a novel written by a woman;
4. I read something (perhaps two somethings) unaligned to any theme;
5. Cycle repeats with another Roth.

I just finished the trifecta of Portnoy's Complaint-Assassination Vacation-Lives of Girls and Women. I'm on His Excellency: George Washington, with Hey Nostradamus! and American Pastoral in the wings. Still, I need more books by women. boldmoves, you've been conspicuously silent...

Confidential to spygrl1: I find myself unsold on Alice Munro. I understand why she seems to concentrate on short stories--Lives of Girls and Women really isn't so much a novel as an anthology of stories that all happen to be about the same character(s). Additionally, I didn't get the feeling that a whole lot happened, particularly in the first half of the book. But that's me; perhaps I'll give Runaway a try down the road.

Comments

[spygrl1.livejournal.com]

I haven't read Live of Girls and Women. Runaway was certainly my favorite short story collection--I received decreasing gratification from each subsequent Munro, until I finally petered out.

Have you read any Ali Smith yet? I really enjoyed The Accidental.

[serendipidy.livejournal.com]

Are you looking for suggestions of books written by women?

[boldmoves.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure why I haven't been flooding your lj with suggestions, but I'll try to make up for lost time.

Recently read and loved:
My Sister's Continent, by Gina Frangello
We Who Are About To..., by Joanna Russ
Skin, by Kellie Wells
I Live With You, by Carol Emshwiller

Not so recently read, but have stood the test of time:
Original Bliss, by A.L. Kennedy
Cat's Eye, by Margaret Atwood
American Woman in the Chinese Hat, by Carole Maso
Nights at the Circus, by Angela Carter

Also, I love Alice Munro, but I've never read her novel. You should definitely read her short fiction. I recommend either The Love of A Good Woman or Hateship, Friendship, Courtship Loveship, Marriage.